Why Thelema Kicks Ass

One question that I have heard from friends and that I have often asked myself is, “Why Thelema?” Why not identify with any of the other religions or philosophies? I want to explain why I believe in the power of Thelema as a rule of life, and consequently why I believe that Thelema will continue to grow.

I. Do what thou wilt

The most fundamental point is that we have a certain Law under which everything else is subsumed: Do what thou wilt. It is the simple sublimity of this spiritual infrastructure that differentiates Thelema both from the various New Age religions (or “spiritualities”) that are characterized by the amorphous and cherrypicking nature of their beliefs as well as from the Old Aeon religions that are characterized by their rigid dogmatism and sectarianism. The Law of Liberty is so far-reaching that it has implications in all facets of life including metaphysics (as a philosophy), ethics (as a way of life), and theology (as a religion) yet it is so elegant that can be summed up in a single word, Thelema.

II. Tolerance

The fundamental Law of Thelema is “Do what thou wilt” which is a radical exhortation for each individual to explore and express their true nature, whatever that may be. Fundamentally, we as Thelemites uphold everyone’s right to be who they are. This involves a revolutionary form of tolerance or acceptance of diversity. Thelema itself is partially the result of a syncretism of many religions and philosophies. It says in The Book of the Law, “Aum! All words are sacred and all prophets true; save only that they understand a little.” We can also find reference to Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Egyptian, Greek, Hermetic, Buddhist, and Hindu ideas within The Book of the Law itself, let alone the other Holy Books and writings by Aleister Crowley. This speaks to Thelema’s ability to appreciate the truths that are held by the various ideologies across the globe and throughout history.

Our eclectic syncretism is not arbitrary though insofar as everything revolves around the core of “Do what thou wilt”: threads are gathered from all corners of human existence to be woven together through the harmony expressed in the word of the Law that is Thelema. The tolerant acceptance of different points-of-view is what distinguishes Thelema from virtually every other religion that has come about in human history. This can be seen very explicitly in the declaration of the rights of man in “Liber OZ,” wherein it is written, “Man has the right to live by his own law—to live in the way that he wills to do.”

We are radical in our acceptance of others as they are, however they may think, speak, or act, yet we also take up arms against dogmatism, prejudice, and superstition that impede the full expression of humanity’s liberty. This is encapsulated in a quotation where Crowley writes, “Every Star has its own Nature, which is ‘Right’ for it. We are not to be missionaries, with ideal standards of dress and morals, and such hard-ideas. We are to do what we will, and leave others to do what they will. We are infinitely tolerant, save of intolerance.”

III. Scientific Religion

Thelema is wholly against superstition and dogmatism that are so obviously a part of the various religions and philosophies of the past. We do not argue about how many angels can fit on the head of a pin, which color clothing generates bad karma on a certain day, how many times a mantra should be said to please a god, or what actions will be favorably judged by the Almighty Gaseous God-in-the-clouds.

This has implications in terms of action (morally) and thought (philosophically). Morally, we say, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law”; this places the responsibility on the individual to find what is right for them without reference to any theological threats of the shame and guilt of sin, the eternal hellfire of damnation, an unfavorable response from a god, or even having a reincarnation in an insect. Philosophically, we do not assert anything that is blatantly contradictory to the knowledge-base of humanity, especially in terms of modern science. There are plenty of cases of people willfully denying the evidence of things as fundamental as evolution or germ theory. For example, it is not difficult to find instances in America of thinly-veiled theology being pushed in schools in the pseudo-scientific guise of “intelligent design.” Stories of people – even children – dying because their parents do not believe in medical care are not unheard of. In contrast, Thelema is a “scientific religion” that speaks to the vicissitudes of human experience that we often call “religion” or “spirituality” while remaining true to the progress of human knowledge that we often call “science.” A great article was recently written on how Aleister Crowley envisioned Thelema as a scientific religion that I recommend if you would like to know more about this particular aspect of the Law of Liberty.

Further, Thelema is a humanized religion: we place the goal of our aspiration within ourselves and we accept others for who they are. As I have written elsewhere: In the Aeon of Isis the focus was Nature, in the Aeon of Osiris the focus was God, and now in the Aeon of Horus the focus is Man, the individual. Our Goal is the fullest expression of ourselves in the True Will, our Path is towards the deepest totality of our selves, and our Community are neither in a “here-after” of Heaven nor gods or demi-gods in some plane “beyond” the world but rather the men and women here on Earth. This ideal is encapsulated in that powerful phrase, “There is no god but man.”

IV. Embracing the world while transcending materialism

Thelema embraces the world insofar as we do not believe sensual pleasures are evil or bad, and we do not believe that existence or incarnation or awareness is something to be annihilated or transcended or left behind. This attitude is encapsulated in The Book of the Law where it is written, “Be strong, o man! lust, enjoy all things of sense and rapture: fear not that any God shall deny thee for this.” As I have said elsewhere: The Earth is not a prison, but a Temple where the sacrament of Life may be enacted; the body is not corrupt, but a pulsing and thriving vessel for the expression of Energy; sex is not sinful, but a mysterious conduit of pleasure and power as well as an image of the ecstatic nature of all Experience.

While we embrace the world, we do not fall into the trap of petty materialism. This is seen in our distinguishing between want – our conscious desires, wishes, and whims that constantly come and go – and True Will. We embrace the world not to have more and bigger and shinier things but as an expression of our nature and a celebration of the joy of existence. This idea was treated in more depth in another recent essay, which can be read if you would like to know more about this particular subject.

V. Sexuality

In line with what was said before about tolerance and acceptance, Thelema specifically embraces all forms of sexual identity, orientation, exploration, and expression that is in line with the Will of the individual. Thelema is a way of life that very explicitly encourages people to be what they are sexually, not to live up to some standard whether dictated by religion or society. We do not view any particular gender identity or sexual orientation as more natural or as superior in any way. The best identity is the one that most clearly and fully is an expression of your nature. We see this encapsulated in The Book of the Law where it is written, “take your fill and will of love as ye will, when, where and with whom ye will!”

Crowley was very far ahead of his time in this way; for example, he wrote in the beginning of the 20th century, “The Beast 666 ordains by His authority that every man, and every woman, and every intermediately-sexed individual, shall be absolutely free to interpret and communicate Self by means of any sexual practices soever, whether direct or indirect, rational or symbolic, physiologically, legally, ethically, or religiously approved or no, provided only that all parties to any act are fully aware of all implications and responsibilities thereof, and heartily agree thereto.” We must remember that – as one very small example – it was more than half a century later before the American Psychological Association stopped labeling homosexuality as a form of mental illness. We as Thelemites take up the banner of acceptance of people as they are, no matter how they may choose to define and express themselves sexually.

VI. Drugs

Thelemites do not shy away from the use of alcohol and drugs based on philosophical, moral, or theological grounds. Thelema has no prohibitions against drugs (or anything, really) so long as what you are doing is in line with your Will. This requires people to take responsibility for their choices. I often think that it helps to say, “Do what thou wilt… and suffer the consequences” because saying “There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt” does not somehow absolve you of the consequences of your action; the Law of Thelema did not somehow abrogate the law of cause and effect. Abusing a substance will still lead to addiction, misusing a substance can still lead to mental imbalance, and rightly using a substance can lead to immense leaps in self-exploration and self-understanding. It is up to every individual to be informed about the use of drugs and to do them responsibly with an intent of finding, exploring, and expressing their true natures.

In a time where the use of psychedelics has only really been explored for their therapeutic potential in the past 5-10 years, this is also a radical approach to drugs. We have Crowley’s own addictions, the history of excess and abuse of drugs as can stereotypically be seen in the late 1960s, and possibly experiences of our own and those around us to warn us about the abuse of drugs. Conversely, we have Crowley’s own successes, a long history of the successful experimentation with drugs, as well as the experiences of our own and those around us to remind us of the distinct potential of using drugs in harmony with our Wills. Click here to read more about Thelema’s approach to drugs.

VII. Aleister Crowley

I believe that Aleister Crowley is exactly the prophet we need in this day and age for one fundamental reason: he was a human being. He was a genius, but he was a human being (despite his attempts to be remembered as a solar myth!). Crowley pushed the boundaries in virtually every category of life and so we may admire him in this way, but we also see things that challenge us. Crowley played with virtually every taboo he could find and in this way he challenges us to confront our own demons and find our own beliefs about how we should live. Our reaction to Crowley can be seen as a microcosm of our own reaction to taboos in general. This is a valuable task in which each individual can engage: what did Crowley do that particularly offends our sentiments? What things are “too far” or “too much,” and – more importantly – examine why it is that you believe he went too far. In this way, in studying our reaction to the prophet of Thelema we can learn more about our own blind spots, limits, and boundaries.

Crowley’s sometimes outrageous behavior also reminds us that we are not supposed to imitate Crowley in any way; we are supposed to find our own Way. That is what Thelema is about. Thelemites are united in a mutual respect and reverence for Crowley, and we are united in a mutual quest to find our Selves. We are not all trying to be Crowley like Christians try to be like Christ or Buddhists like Buddha; we are all trying to be who we really are and that is what sets us apart.

VIII. Rejoice!

In a document that I believe every Thelemite should read for its clarity and incisiveness, Crowley wrote that one of our duties is to “Rejoice!” Thelema is a religion of joy and beauty. Humor is our armor and laughter our weapon. No longer do we look upon solemnity and self-effacement as synonymous with spirituality. Thelema is a law of Liberty that holds the keys to unlock the innate potential of every individual, to release ourselves from the burden of sorrow and fear, and to allow ourselves to be ourselves and rejoice therein. As it says in The Book of the Law, “Remember all ye that existence is pure joy.” With this knowledge, we can consciously and willfully engage in that ultimate Sacrament we know as existence. I therefore say with Crowley, “Look, brother, we are free! Rejoice with me, sister, there is no law beyond Do what thou wilt!”

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68 comments

“There are plenty of cases of people willfully denying the truth of things as fundamental as evolution or germ theory.” – Beg to differ on that one, if only from a certain philosophical perspective (yet one of philosophy of science). I think you will like what you will receive to read, hopefully in a few months. 🙂

93 – I understand the nuances of the notion that there are no truths in science, only provisional theories that can be falsified by further data. That being said, evolution and germ theory are supported by so much evidence that it is ridiculous to deny their (tentative) truth. It has very practical consequences like confusing faith for evidence in children and getting people killed who could’ve survived if they just acknowledged that germs are real…

Denial of a theory doesn’t reduce its usefulness. When a highly valid and useful theory is denied one could ask: what is the alternative? Is it more useful? Is it more valid? Regarding evolution and germs, one would have to look pretty hard to find better alternatives.
93 93/93

It seems like there is a pretense that among magickians the idea of giving respect to people’s gender views is new, unknown earlier, and challenging.THIS IS NOT HARD, PEOPLE. Thank you for showing that Crowley (and he was not at all the first) was writing about respecting man, woman, and everything in between or with both first half of last century.

93 – I believe that the realm of gender & sexuality is one area in which the Law of Thelema has the most obvious and radical approach: that of acceptance of whoever & whatever you really are. Thanks for reading.

Well-written and clear article that covers the major points without being pedantic. As per usual, your work continues to earn my respect and admiration.

I used to get this question a lot when I was still doing the academia thing…people couldn’t understand why someone who was ostensibly intelligent and educated would study the occult, or pursue any sort of religious path or tradition. I found that most of the time, they didn’t really want to understand my motivations, but when they did, I had to come down to very similar theses in order to explain myself, though I also addressed the notion of the Great Work, because that is an important part of my particular motivations.

93 Neil – Thanks for the input. My fellow people in academia tend to annoy me because they either can’t understand the point of religion or they require me to back everything up with multiple citations, which I tend to want to get away from when possible because its tiresome (and why is something only true when someone else has happened to say it before? :P)

93, and thank you so laying it out so eloquently. You make it clear and concise and is exactly my vision of Thelema also. I will be referring those who seek to know more about the basics of Thelemic thought to this blog.
93’s
Paul

93 – I agree with Crowley’s assessment in this case, specifically where he says love as you will “provided only that all parties to any act are fully aware of all implications and responsibilities thereof, and heartily agree thereto.”

While IAO131’s reply was about consensus, I would like to add conflict. Ideally, every star has its own orbit in which it can run freely and without collision, because there is enough space for each one of us to follow our nature. Conflicts are an obvious part of life though, so how can they be resolved? Thelema suggests that wills are compared. For instance, the will of the child to develop well supercedes the will to abuse it, as well as one man’s will to live supercedes another man’s will to kill him. But all of this is only true for people capable of self-inquiry – you have to be fit for Thelema.

Thanks for one of the clearest, most concise, most eloquent introductions to the fundamental principles of Thelemic thought I’ve yet had the good fortune to come across. I’ve come back to this now many times as I make my own first, tentative steps along a path laid open to me by the members of my local Oasis. I suspect I’ll come back to it many times in future. Fantastic blog in general. Really enjoying it. Thanks again.

Do what thou wilt harm know one the book of law is the foundation of all religious belief I’d like to see ur library of book of and compare with mine and bf collection and to talk with someone who is well read and can have a decent conversation with thank u for this posting was a great read was spot on and the truth is the truth plus if more people believed in this school of thought then we may finally all have our own cat girl peaceful Mike

I found interesting these new path of Thelema, I hope to learn each day more and more, the most amazing thing about thelema it is; not condening about the sex orientation, not many religions have these point of view, it is also new for me.

if the main idea of this idea is do what you will, you already botched something pretty beautiful in principle by giving it a name. now people will argue over it’s meaning. most of this sounds like just being a human being anyway. no prophets required. no doctrine required. we’re gonna do it different… except in all the ways that we kept doing what was already being done. you just made a more efficient weapon. that doesn’t mean we need weapons.

I love the principles of thelema and how peaceful and joyful they are. I have two questions though.
1) do people practicing thelema believe that people in other religions can find their true will and inner self (through the rules of their religion) or do they respect other religions but agree that they cannot capture true will through these other ideas.
2) Also, do people practicing thelema frown apon things like murder, or do they respect that it might be part of their true will. I would think even if it was part of your true will, it is nor worth sacrificing that other person’s chance to have their own spiritual journey.

People practicing Thelema believe many things. What they have in common is a belief in “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” This includes that “Man has the right to think what he will.” In general, Thelemites are eclectic (drawing from many traditions) and therefore recognize that people of all types – regardless of race, class, or creed – can and have done their True Will. We also tend to believe that Thelema represents a clearer, less convoluted way to recognize & do this.

Generally, people practicing Thelema frown upon tings like murder because it restricts the right of others to live as they Will. That being said, There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt. Even in our modern society, there are several reasons for which murder is acceptable (self-defense, war, et cetera). There is no Absolute Right-or-Wrong with this, as with every other moral question. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Hope that’s helpful.

In one sense, Thelemites understand that “Equilibrium is the basis of the Work.” The Holy Book of Thelema known as “Liber Tzaddi” also mentions the necessity of achieving balance. That being said, Thelemites also believe in the idea of “strive ever to more” and “exceed, exceed” which means that we always expand our “balance” or “equilibrium,” seeking always to experience and live more. Again: There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt. What your “balance” or “harmony” is may not be the same for anyone else.

Ahhhh sorry I just have so many questions. Do people practicing thelema act according to non religious morals such as being nice and heloing people. Also, how do you feel about law enforcement. It would be chaos without it, but it does prevent people from doing many things.

Thelemites act in accordance with their True Wills. The True Will represents the inmost nature of the individual, unclouded by the programming and expectations of peers & society. In general, this looks a whole lot like what many people already do to some extent or another. Some people are naturally very nice and want to help others just because it is their nature to do so. There are some, though, where this is not the case, and their True Will may look like harshness to you. There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt.

Law enforcement is an interesting issue. It doesn’t “prevent people from doing many things” anyways, since people still kill, rape, steal, torture, et cetera with the laws. Laws should ideally protect the people from basic infringements of rights while allowing them maximum freedom. In the end, it is up to the individuals to decide what laws work best to create the society they think is most effective in helping individuals to accomplish their Wills. In short, there is not an Absolute answer to this or to anything else. That is why “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law” is so absolute yet so flexible.

“Thelema is a way of life that very explicitly encourages people to be what they are sexually, not to live up to some standard whether dictated by religion or society. We do not view any particular gender identity or sexual orientation as more natural or as superior in any way.”

Sounds great. However, heterosexuality is practiced by the great majority of Thelemites and the Gnostic Mass can also only be celebrated correctly and officially by a man as a priest and a woman as a priestess. So, heterosexual couples have the privilege and the honor of being able to celebrate the central ritual in Thelema together, whereas gay couples would have to adapt and break apart if they would like to become Mass officials on those respective roles, not to break secrets and formulas. Isn’t this something? An extra point I ask myself is: how many transexuals do we know as Thelemites? I would like to know one case. It is said to be a very tolerant atmosphere, but in practice it lacks numbers to prove it.

93 – You are confusing Thelema the ideology with particular Thelemites that you happen to know. I know at least 4 trans Thelemites off the top of my head without even thinking very hard. Even so, the amount of trans people is not some kind of measure of tolerance. Also, people have the right to be heterosexual if that is their Nature. It would not be surprising that a majority of Thelemites would be heterosexual as that is what the majority of human beings identify as. 93 93/93

Alexandra, I am a gay man and I fancy myself a Thelemite but I do not consider the practice of Gnostic Mass discriminatory in a way you allude. We have to recognise that magic of procreation is one of the strongest in the universe – we may shake our fists at reality but that does not change a fact that you need both a male and a female to conceive a baby. 😉

One of the best general essays on Thelema I’ve ever read. I post it on my facebook page about every time I add a friend, because I don’t think I could say it better myself. My sincere thanks for your work creating this, and your other essays.

Very important disclaimer in the beginning of the text:
“The following notes on Thelemic theology are based primarily on the writings of Aleister Crowley. These notes are not intended as interpretation or commentary on The Book of the Law outside the bounds of the Prophet’s writings, nor do they represent a definitive statement of Thelemic belief.”

Everyone does have the right to do whatever they want. That is free will. That is no great mystery or revelation. Answer this. What does your spirit learn if all you do is try to twist the world to your will? Nothing. You become a hamster on a wheel, running at full speed, but not moving forward. The precious lessons of this life have no monetary value. You cannot gain for eternity anything that you can hold in your hand. Your only TRUE power is choice. Do you choose do move forward or spin on a wheel to nowhere?
Can you receive this truth?